Kickstart

'Kickstart with Curious Minds' is a complete wraparound support programme for young people currently undertaking a Kickstart opportunity.

Drawing on expertise from across the Cultural and Creative Industries, and delivered in partnership with leading cultural institutions and innovative grass-roots organisations, the programme focuses on the development of skills we know are essential for the world of work.

Curious Minds will facilitate networking between young people and professionals throughout the programme; to broaden their horizons, raise aspirations and improve social networks. Empowering young people to understand what motivates them, what they find challenging, developing their confidence and resilience to overcome difficult situations are all a key focus. Mentored along the way by early career professionals, young people will learn to articulate examples of their skills to prepare them for their next steps.

Our programme will support young people to explore and engage with their local cultural offer, helping them take the lead in planning cultural experiences for themselves and opening doors to physical and digital opportunities beyond their Kickstart placement. The programme is designed to enable the young people to be proactive in making and reflecting upon their choice of arts and cultural visits. Not only will they develop practical skills, knowledge and agency - their experiences through the programme will enable them to develop lifelong appreciation of the arts.